This paper reports the outcome of morphological and microcompozitional (SEM, EDS, X-Ray Maps, Compo and Morpho images) and tribological (friction and wear) investigations of iron-copper based composite for automotive brake pads. The sintered friction materials were obtained by conventional P/M route, and compared with a commercial brake pad used as reference material. Experimentally chemical compositions of composites established after a number of preliminary tests was: 25-35 wt.% Fe, 20-30 wt.% Cu, 20-30 wt.% Graphite+MoS2, Mullite and Spinel balanced. One lot was tested with a „pin-on-disc” type, under dry sliding conditions, applied load between 3.5-11.5×10-1 MPa, 12.5-17m/s relative speed at constant temperature. The other lot was tested on an inertial test stand according to a methodology simulating the real conditions of dry friction, at a contact pressure of 25-30×10-1 MPa, relative speed 300-1200 rpm. We obtained a material with improved wear resistance characteristics and high and stable friction coefficients.
Keywords: Composites, EDS, X-Ray Maps, Compo and Morpho Image, Tribological characteristics.